Report of the Hearing on the Proposed Boundaries for
New Town Elementary School

Monday, March 12, 2001
Randallstown High School

Vice President Phyllis E. Ettinger called the hearing to order at 7:10 p.m. In addition to Ms. Ettinger, the following Board members were present: Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky, and Mr. James E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools, and staff members were present.

The following citizens addressed the Board:

1. Lisa Franklin, a Deer Park Elementary School parent – Voiced her support for Scenario D, stating that Scenario C doesn’t leave room for growth at Deer Park.
   
   Mr. Arnold entered the room at 7:12 p.m.
   
   Ms. Franklin stated that “C” would create social and economic imbalances. She requested the Board revisit the scenarios.
   
   
2. Mr. Floyd Hawkes, President of the Deer Park Elementary School PTA – Shared his belief that “D” better serves the interests of all schools. Mr. Hawkes stated that “D” ensures students will attend school close to their home and ensures an efficient use of space. He also felt “C” would foster social and economic isolation of Deer Park students. Mr. Hawkes noted that the Blueprint for Progress addresses parent involvement which Deer Park currently enjoys. Adoption of “C” would negatively impact future progress.
   
   
3. Ms. Denise Madden, a representative of the Deer Park Elementary School PTA – Voiced her opposition to “C” and declared that “D” would be better for all children. “D” would alleviate overcrowding at Deer Park. Ms. Madden stated that both schools need economic and ethnic diversity. She asked the Board to consider Scenario D so children could attend a school that wasn’t overcrowded.
   
   
4. Ms. Lisa Cohen, a Deer Park Elementary School parent – Stated adoption of “C” would leave Deer Park overcrowded and in trailers this fall. This scenario also isolates children socially and economically.
   
   
5. Mr. Jack Gallagher, a Deer Park Elementary School parent – Noted that children residing in the Winterset community would be split between New Town and Deer Park. He stated that another elementary school and another middle school are needed in the Northwest Area as soon as possible.
   
   
6. Mr. Paul Coleman, President of the Winterset Community Association – Agreed that “D” would relieve overcrowding at Deer Park but would also require some students in the Winterset community to attend a school miles from home. He asked the Board to keep the Winterset children at their community school.
   
   
7. Ms. Karen Claggett, a representative of the Deer Park Elementary School PTA - Asked the Board to consider “D” which would benefit all students in an equal manner. She asked the Board to not only look at the Free and Reduced Lunch data, but test scores as well and how the proposed boundaries would affect these areas.
   
   
8. Mr. Michael Franklin – Expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to co-chair the Boundary Study Committee and explained his reason for resigning. Mr. Franklin felt Scenarios B and D-2 were viable and was concerned that “D-2” was not presented until the final community meeting. He stated that both scenarios leave Deer Park in a much better position than “C.”
   
   
9. Mr. Felix Abeson, a Deer Park Elementary School parent – Asked the Board to consider “D” in order that all children are treated equally.
   
   
10. Mr. Derrick Claggett – Reminded the Board of its responsibility to the parents and to Baltimore County students. He stated that socio-economic factors have been proven to be significant. Mr. Claggett voiced his opinion that “C” is inconsistent and irresponsible.
    
    
11. Mr. Darren Claggett, a resident of the Winterset community – Stated “D” takes his children out of the community while “C” would allow students in the community to walk to New Town. To overlook “C”, Mr. Claggett said, and take children from the community and send them to another school is not feasible.
    
    
12. Mr. Leo O’Brien, a resident of the Winterset community – Stated “D” would split the community in half. Mr. O’Brien expressed his opinion that with the construction of town homes, apartments, and single-family homes in Winterset, the community will be more economically diverse. He asked that the Winterset community be kept together.
    
    
13. Mr. Carl Alexander – Expressed his concern with the process and noted several years ago a new school for Randallstown Elementary School was proposed by parents. Additional seats at New Town were requested to relieve overcrowding.
    
    
14. Ms. Charlotte Smith Butler, a resident of the Winterset community – Voiced her support for Scenario C. She noted that with growth comes change, and “C” would benefit the members of the Winterset community.

The hearing was concluded at 7:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe A. Hairston

Secretary-Treasurer